GRANTS PASS, Ore. (May. 23, 2026) — A 59-year-old man was arrested Friday morning after confronting police officers securing the Boatnik Parade route in downtown Grants Pass and making statements that alarmed authorities, police said.
According to the Grants Pass Police Department, the incident occurred at about 9:15 a.m. May 23 near the intersection of Northeast Sixth and A streets, where officers were setting up barricades for the annual parade.
Police said Sean Washburn approached officers and displayed what authorities described as a strong hostility toward the parade while making other concerning statements. After the confrontation, Washburn allegedly drove away recklessly from the area.
Officers coordinating security for the parade immediately alerted patrol units to locate Washburn, police said, adding that locating him quickly became the department’s top priority because of the concerns raised during the encounter.
Within minutes, officers located Washburn’s vehicle several blocks away. He was later found walking toward the parade route near Southeast Fourth and J streets, where he was taken into custody without incident. Detectives responded to assist with the investigation.
Washburn was lodged in the Josephine County Jail on charges of reckless driving and disorderly conduct.
Investigators later determined there was no ongoing threat to the public.
The police department said extensive planning and coordination occurs ahead of large community events such as the Boatnik Parade, including meetings with organizers, Grants Pass Fire/Rescue and other stakeholders, with the goal of ensuring a safe event for attendees.
Officials also thanked the Medford Police Department for assisting with Washburn’s arrest and efforts to secure the parade route.
All suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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